7.0

Overview

The C-Class is no longer the strategic entry point to the realm of three-pointed star status. Technically, the CLA Class is the new entry point to the Mercedes world. The Mercedes Benz C-300 is a great luxury sedan that boasts of more standard creature comforts than the competition.

The C 300 is fairly equipped to take care of your daily driving needs. The C 300 follows the industry standard and comes fitted with a 2.0 Liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine strikes a good balance between power and efficiency.

The Mercedes Benz C 300 goes head to head with the BMW 330i Sedan, Audi A4 and Cadillac ATS sedan. The C 300 is based on a platform that leans more towards comfort. The Merc also performs well in most crash tests. The IIHS also gives it an overall safety rating of five (out of five stars).

C 300 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

C 300 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

Expert Review

carhp editorOctober 15, 2018

7.0

Overall Rating

6.6/10Engine

6.6/10Fuel Economy

6.6/10Interior

7.6/10Exterior

7.6/10Safety

The C 300 is fairly equipped to take care of your daily driving needs. The C 300 follows the industry standard and comes fitted with a 2.0 Liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine strikes a good balance between power and efficiency.

Features

The sedan in its base trim is offered with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup. It comes with standard 17” wheels and a new 9-speed automatic transmission. Feature wise, it is offered with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity key, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Even this base trim is offered with forward collision warning with brake assist.

The next configuration is the C 300 (4 MATIC) sedan. This trim is equipped with an all-wheel-drive setup that makes better use of the available traction.

Trim

C 300 Sedan

C 300 4 MATIC Sedan

MSRP

$40,250

$42,250

Key Features

17” 5-spoke wheels

Rear-wheel-drive

Clear coat Paint

Chrome Bumper Insert

Fixed Rear Window with Defroster

Daytime Running Headlamps

Rear Fog Lamps

MB Apps Selective Service Internet Access

Full Floor Console

4 MATIC (all-wheel-drive)

Plus all features of C 300 (RWD)

We Recommend

C 300 and its sibling C 300 (4MATIC) are offered with an identical turbocharged 2.0 L engine. If you are planning to buy a sedan for the family then the C 300 (4MATIC) comes off as better choice. The C 300 (4MATIC) utilizes Mercedes-Benz’s all-wheel-drive system to ensure maximum tire grip. This provides better stability and control even in wet and slippery conditions.

Engine

6.6/10

This 241-horsepower setup is smooth and brisk, though it can't match AMG-tuned models when it comes to blistering takeoffs or growly exhaust notes. Its fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway is about average for the class. -cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood, the 2.0L is eager to go to higher speed and does it without any drama. This engine is rated at 241 ponies around 5,500 rpm. The major selling point of this powertrain is its ability to produce adequate power while keeping the fuel costs at a bay.

The gear shifting duties are taken care by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which helps in enhancing fuel efficiency and quiet cabin comfort. Mercedes boasts of a greater range of gear ratios and even quicker shifts and the electronic selector and paddle-shifters help you to change gears with both of your hands on the steering wheel.

Models

Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan

BMW 330i Sedan

Audi A4 Premium (Quattro)

Cadillac ATS Sedan

MSRP

$40,250

$40,385

$40,500

$36,490

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission

9-speed automatic

8-speed automatic

7-speed automatic

8-Speed Automatic

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5,500 rpm

248 hp @ 5,200 rpm

252 hp @ 5,000 rpm

272 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque

273 lb-ft @ 1,300 rpm

258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm

273 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm

295 hp @ 3,000 rpm

The C 300 has enough power to see you through your city drives, freeway commutes, and occasional weekend getaways. But the competition has an edge over the C 300 when we consider maximum horsepower. The Cadillac ATS extracts the most out of its engine, and it is rated at 272 hp (31 hp more than Merc). Whereas Audi and BMW are closer to the Merc with their respectable 252 hp and 248 hp output.

Acceleration

The specialty of this engine – turbochargers that spool up quickly and help deliver the maximum 273 lb-ft. of torque at a mere 1300 rpm. This way quicker than the competition. So, the C 300 easily comes off the line without much effort.

Mercedes-Benz has cleverly engineered this 2.0 Liter power plant to maximize its output by using a combination of rapid multi-spark ignition and high-pressure direct injection. This engineering is crucial for achieving the entirety of the torque at a low rpm.

Models

Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan

BMW 330i Sedan

Audi A4 Premium (Quattro)

Cadillac ATS Sedan

0-60 MPH

5.8 sec

5.5 sec

5.7 sec

Quarter mile

14.4 sec

14.2 sec

14.5 sec

Engine

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Emission(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)

6.5

6.6

6.3

7.1

To restrict emission, Merc uses a variable valve timing system for all the 16 valves and a three-phase cooling system. The sedan is rated at 6.5 tons of CO2 emission in a year. Its competition also scores well in this test, BMW scores 6.6 ton/year and Audi scores the lowest 6.3 tons/year.

Ride and Handling

4MATIC trim, the sedan ups the ante with an all-wheel-drive setup that offers decent traction for day to day driving scenarios and also provides better traction in wet and slippery conditions. If you are pushing the C 300 a little too hard, then things get louder, especially a lot of road noise is filtered to the cabin.

The C 300 is offered with four modes – ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ which can be selected from the dynamic select option available on the console. These drive modes, severely alter throttle response, steering feedback, and transmission’s shift points.

It is more tuned for comfort over performance. The engine is responsive but the car doesn’t like to be handled enthusiastically. In this segment, BMW’s 330 sedan shows exemplary handling dynamics.

Braking

The brakes on the C 300 exhibit good initial response. This Merc is equipped with 13.0-inch brake rotor at the front and 11.8-inch brake rotor at the rear. The C300 comes to standstill from 60 mph within 131 ft. The C 300 is offered with standard Torque Vectoring Brake technology which provides targeted rear wheel braking for better control during turns.

Model

Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan

BMW 330i Sedan

Audi A4 Premium (Quattro)

Cadillac ATS Sedan

Brake Front (in.)

13.0

12.3

13.3

12.6

Brake Rear (in.)

11.8

11.8

13.0

12.4

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3594

3410

3483

3,373

60-0 MPH (ft.)

131

123

126

115

The competition performs better than the C 300 in terms of braking but its curb weight of 3594 lbs. puts the sedan at a disadvantage. The ATS sedan pulls very tight braking distance – it slows down from 60 mph to halt within 115 ft. Even the Audi and BMW pull tighter numbers than the Merc.

Fuel Economy

6.6/10

One of the major task for Mercedes (or any manufacturer for that matter) has been to design an engine that makes more power and consumes less fuel. The turbocharged 2.0 Liter engine lives up to the expectations and returns a great fuel economy of 27 miles (combined) to the gallon.

The C 300 also utilizes an ECO Start/Stop system that switches off power at stop lights and idle situations to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Interior

6.6/10

Lovely. Few other words suffice when it comes to describing the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class interiors, especially on the heels of the former generation, which had more of a cold, clinical demeanor. The C-Class is available with an attractive array of wood and aluminum finishes, and a relatively clutter-free layout that manages to still feel elegant. -KelleyBlueBook

Seating and Comfort

The C 300 sedan offers power adjustable seat for the driver and passenger, both. Finding your favorite sitting position wouldn’t be a hassle. The front seats offer decent room for adults but the rear seats might feel a bit cramped for adults.

The Merc provides a very refined cabin experience with a minimalistic design, where switches and toggles have been restricted to only essentials. Although, it is one of the entry-level offerings from Mercedes, the quality of materials is exemplary and in many cases better than what the competition offers.

The tandem of infotainment screens takes the in-cabin experience to a higher level. There is a 7” high-resolution screen that automatically adjusts to ambient light. This screen functions as the command center for the car. The freestanding display is sleek and enhances the cabin appeal.

Its secondary screen is situated in the gauge cluster, this colored screen presents information from driving systems and settings. The infotainment system can be controlled by a central controller that offers access to entertainment, drive settings and more. This controller has been intuitively designed as it naturally falls to the right hand. The on-screen menus can be selected with the rotary movement of the central controller.

Interior Features

Power Front Seats with Driver Memory

MB Apps Selective Service Internet Access

Front Cigar Lighter(s)

Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning

Driver Foot Rest

Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest with Storage

Seats with Leatherette Back Material

Delayed Accessory Power

Cargo Capacity

The C 300 Sedan offers 12.6 cu-ft. of rear cargo space. Inside the cabin, there aren’t many pockets and bins for storing miscellaneous items. The USB ports have been provided inside the central armrest.

Exterior

7.6/10

The details matter less to the C-Class’ overall impression of fluidity. The LED lines over the headlights frame the front end nicely along with large low-set air intakes. The streamlined nose blends into slightly flared fenders, on back to the softly curved tail that’s strongly cued after the S-Class. - thecarconnection

Dimensions and Weight

The C 300 has a sporty stance and muscular design. There is a subtle chrome treatment at the edges that complement the sporty design. The three-pointed star is gracefully integrated into the front grille, with a wide profile and vast interior cabin space.

The sedan utilizes aluminum and high tensile steel to reduce weight. Compared to the previous generation, the it undergoes a healthy 220 lb. weight reduction. Even after this weight reduction, it is one of the heaviest sedans in this segment.

Model

Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan

BMW 330i Sedan

Audi A4 Premium (Quattro)

Cadillac ATS Sedan

Curb weight (lbs.)

3594

3410

3483

3373

Length(in)

184.5

182.5

186.1

182.8

Width(in)

71.3

71.3

72.5

71.1

Height(in)

56.8

56.3

56.2

55.9

Ground clearance (in)

5.1

6.18

6.29

5.4

Wheelbase (in)

111.8

110.6

111.0

109.30

Track width (in) F/R

61.5/60.9

60.3/61.9

61.9/61.2

59.50/60.90

The C 300’s dimensions are 184.5 inches in length, 71.3 inches in width and 56.8 in height. The wheelbase is the longest in the segment at 111.8 inches. These generous dimensions make way for a spacious cabin.

When it comes to exterior dimensions, the Mercedes-Benz C 300 fares well with the rest of the competition. It follows the standard norms of this segment and there isn’t any figure that comes off differently.

Safety

7.6/10

The Mercedes-Benz C 300 sedan hasn’t been rated by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But the C 300 has been rated by the independent organization- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

IIHS has given a superior rating to C 300 Sedan (with optional equipment) for ‘Crash Avoidance and Mitigation’. The C 300 receives an average good rating for Crash Worthiness.

IIHS Safety Ratings

Crashworthiness

Small overlap front driver side

Good

Small overlap front passenger side

Not rated

Moderate overlap front

Good

Side

Good

Roof strength

Good

Head restraints & seats

Good

Front crash prevention

Superior

Headlights

Poor

Child seats anchors (LATCH)

Good

Safety Features

The Mercedes Benz C300 has a wide variety of safety features which have earned it good IIHS ratings. Some are listed below:

Competition

Mercedes Benz C300 vs BMW 330i Sedan

The pricing for the 330i Sedan starts at $40,385. The Bimmer is offered with a turbocharged 2.0 L engine which is tuned for 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The power output of the BMW 330i is marginally better than the Mercedes C 300 sedan. But such minute difference doesn’t add up to any significant change in real-world driving scenarios.

When it comes to handling dynamics, the Bimmer has an advantage over the Merc. The 330i is more of a driver’s car than the C 300. But when we talk about cabin comfort, the Mercedes offers a more luxurious cabin than the BMW.

Mercedes Benz C300 vs Audi A4 Premium (Quattro)

Audi’s 2.0 L TFSI engine is capable of 252 hp and 273 lb-ft. of torque. The Audi A4 performs better than the Mercedes C 300 Sedan. In this bunch, the Audi A4 is the longest sedan. The A4 is also lighter than the C 300. The A4 offers more cargo space than the Merc.

It is a tough decision to choose between the C 300 sedan and A4 sedan. Ultimately, it boils down to brand loyalty.

Mercedes Benz C300 vs Cadillac ATS Sedan

The ATS sedan is tuned for 272 hp and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Considering the sub $36,000 price tag, the ATS offers most performance at this price point. The ATS sedan is also acclaimed for its beautiful balanced chassis and good handling.

Final Verdict

The C 300’s 2.0 L unit is capable of 241 hp at 5,500 rpm. The specialty of this engine is its ability to summon the entirety of its 273 lb-ft. of torque at a mere 1300 rpm. So, getting the car to high speed isn’t an issue at all. Even at high speed, the sedan maintains its composure and offers great cabin comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz C class is no longer the entry point offering from the manufacturer. The CLA class serves as the entry point. It would be unwise to consider the C 300 Sedan for a “bare bones”, entry sedan. The C 300 offers a galore of interior features, the quality of materials uses is distinctive of the ‘3-point star’ stature.